Press Release

One-third of women in the world are victims of violence. In India, a woman is raped in every 14 minutes, sexually abused in every 7 minutes & in every 4 minutes we witness violence against a woman. About 42% of women in the state of Odisha face physical or sexual violence. Even in this modern day and age, violence against women is still on the rise. They are not only being raped but kidnapped, sexually abused and also through domestic violence and dowry killings. The 16 Days Activism is an International Campaign that started in 1991. Since then, over 5,179 groups in 187 countries have taken part in this campaign. This Campaign provides each and every one of us with the opportunity to break the silence around violence against women. People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) a leading organization in the state collaboration with The Hunger Project organized this “16 days of Activism” from 3rd December to 9th December 2017 on Violence against Women. This weeklong event launched a mobile van campaign at Balianta and Bolagarh Block of Khordha district to aware the people on the issues of VAW and more specifically domestic violence.

A District level workshop on Violence against Women was organized by PECUC in collaboration with The Hunger Project on 9th Dec. Prof. Adaramani Boral, Chairperson, PECUC chaired the meeting and Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary PECUC said,”PECUC is taking initiative at different levels to address the issues to protect women from violence and abuses”.Esteemed Guest, Mr. Manas Ranjan Samal, Sub-Collerctor, Bhubaneswar addressed the gathering that the domestic violence issues can be solved by creating awareness among all sections of people. Mr. Ashok Dash (Spl Secretary, State Election Commission), Member Women Commission Ms. Snehanjali Mohanty, Mrs. Rasmiprava Mishra (DV Protection officer) Khordha Dist, addressed the gathering and appreciated the campaign for raising awareness among people regarding how to get information and access the services to end violence against women. Also they spoke on DV act and role of Women Commission & Protection Officer. Mrs. Anuradha Mohanty, Executive Director gave welcome address and shared the objective of the workshop and weeklong campaign.

In this campaign more than 100 women PRI’s, SHG leaders participated and shared views on panchayat should be given adequate power for giving marriage certificate, birth certificate etc; formation of Sexual Harassment committee at panchayat level; single/divorced women, unmarried girls/ widow’s life should be protected; every panchayat should have separate toilets for women; two-child norm at Panchayati Raj system should be completely banned. Mrs. Ratna Dash,traesurer PECUC gave vote of thanks and the programme was facilitated by PECUC team Member Mr. Jyoti Sankar Mohanty, Pulak Mishra, Upama Mohanty, Bamadeva Jena and Chinmayee Pattanayak.

19th November is being observed as the “World day for prevention of child abuse” all over the world. Theme for this year:- “ Prevention of Violence against Children and Youth”.

Child abuse is a major cause of concern , which creates barrier for free growth of children. Adding to different form of exploitation, exclusion issues have played major role in damaging the child hood of millions of children. Violence against children takes many forms i.e Child labour, child trafficking, Corporal punishment, sale of children, sexual abuse, child prostitution, neglect, child sex tourism, malnutrition, bullying, child pornography, harmful traditional practices, abduction, early and forced marriage etc.

Atleast 3 of every 4 of the world’s children have experienced violence .Child labour is one of the worst forms of violence against children. The ILO’s Statistical Information and Monitoring Program on Child Labor recently estimated that 211 million children, or 18 % of children aged 5-14, are economically active worldwide. 60% of these working children live in Asia, and 23% live in sub-Saharan Africa. Most economically active children are employed in agriculture.

Child labor not only negatively affects a child’s health, but it also negatively impacts his/her ability to receive schooling and perform academically. When children are forced by their families to work, they no longer have the time to attend school. Though there are a significant number of children who go to school and work, the work may negatively impact their studies, told by many eminent dignitaries while addressing a programme held here today to mark the occasion.

To mark the occasion a “ Walk against child labour” , Fro Ram Mandir to Lower PMG and Signature campaign and Human chain at Master Canteen Square were organized by People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) a leading child right organization in collaboration with the Labour Directorate, Govt. Of Odisha. Inaugurating the walk and signature campaign Mr. Susanta Singh ,Minister of State ,Labour and Employees, State Insurance said that Child labour is the worst form of violence on children . We all need to work together to eradicate child labour and mainstream them through education .The Govt of Odisha is taking up various steps for development of children .However we all need to work together .Massive awareness required to eliminate child labour he emphasized. Mr. Ananata Narayan Jena , Mayor , Bhubaneswar Muncipal Corporation and Sj. Ashwini Das, Former Labour Commissioner emphasized on coordination and Convergence between different departments and key stake holders,.

While speaking on the occasion Eminent Journalist Mr. Pradosh Pattnaik , Ms, Sulata Deo , Former Chairperson Social welfare Board , Film Producer and Director , Santosh Panda, Mr. Debasis Sit , Corporator , Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty Secretary , PECUC , Mrs. Anuradha Mohanty , Executive Director , PECUC stressed that it is our responsibility to aware people about not to engage children as child labour which destroy their childhood . It is the responsibility of the elders to give them safe child hood. Mr. B.B . Acharya from State Labour Institute gave vote of thanks., A large number of youth from NSS, Utkal University , Ekamra college , NIIS College , BJB college and member of women groups and youth volunteers participated in the programme.

This year the 19th November is connected with the SDG target 16.2 (End abuse, Exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of Children) and also with the Universal Children’s day on 20th November to speed up local, National and international event for better prevention and protection measures and elimination of violence and abuse against Children and Youth around the world by 2030.

Bhubaneswar: Children must dream to become great man during early stage of their lives and to fulfil the dream they should devote their effort in this direction. All parents, guardians and teachers should come forward to encourage their children in achieving their goal, told by eminent dignitaries while addressing to the Inaugural Ceremony of 28th year Sisu Mela (Children festival week) of People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) , a leading socio-cultural organization at Bhubaneswar begun at Ekarma Hat , Bhubaneswar. On Tuesday evening, while inaugurating the weeklong festival of PECUC they encouraged the children and emphasized that children must see the dream and accordingly they should engage themselves to achieve those. They said dedication, hard work and positive attitude are the key points behind all success and to be a responsible citizen all children should follow these principles. Addressing the children festival Dr. Debasis Panigrahi ,IPS, Director Vigilance told that parents have the responsibility to give life skill education to the children so that they fight against any odd towards success. Safe and happy childhood leads to good personality and boosting the inner quality of the children in future emphasized by Sj. Soumya Ranjan Pattnaik , Editor, Sambad & Mr. Pattnaik also point out to ensure safe child and happy childhoods for all children is the primary responsibility of parents and Govt . Sj Nirmal Chandra Mishra , Collector, Khordha emphasized that children must respect their parents as well as their birthplace & mother tongue. SJ Sachin Ramchandra Yadav ,IAS, Labour Commissioner said that it is the responsibility of all the elders to ensure smiling on the face of all children. Sj. Pradosh Pattnaik, President, PECUC sisu mela committee presided the inaugural function.Amongst others Mr. Sahadev Sahu , Former Chief Secretary Govt Of Odisha , Mrs. Kasturi Mohapatra (Chairperson of Odisha State Commission for protection of child Rights, Mr. Laxmi Narayan Nanda ,Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF ,Mrs. Ruby Rout , Country Director, Adoptions Centrum, Mrs Adaramani Boral, Chairman, PECUC , Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty , Secretary ,PECUC , Ms. Nikita Mishra and Ms. Akankshya Kabi goodwill ambassador for promotion of child rights , Cine artist Mr. Aryan Dash Kumar , Actress Bhumika Das , Labanya Das discussed different aspects. Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty , Secretary ,PECUC gave a brief introduction to the weeklong festival. Smt.Anuradha Mohanty, Executive Director, PECUC extended vote of thanks followed by cultural program by children of culture department , Govt of Odisha under the direction Snehaprava Samantray , Chorus Unit -6 Govt girl’s high school , Sunrise public school , Royal Public school , Vicky dance group , Sarala Dance academy , Nrutya Upasanapitha and orchestra under the direction of Bhramarabara Dalei. The program was conducted by Ratna Dash , Jyotirmayee Mohapatra , Jyotisankar Mohanty , Srinibash Ghatuary, Ganeswar Singh , Monika Das of PECUC .The festival will continue until 20 th Nov.

Urgent action is needed to tackle the Environmental related issues and for preservation of Environment. We need to intensify and accelerate action to save energy, save water, Save our mother earth and preserve Environment. And we need to do it by our self as well as together. These were viewed by eminent dignitaries in a two days Seminar on “Environmental Preservation” organized by People’s Cultural Center(PECUC) ,a leading civil society organization of Odisha in association with Vishwa Yuvak Kendra, New Delhi at Extension Training Centre ,Keonjhar .

Purnachandra Mishra , Sub collector Keonjhar inaugurated the seminar. Inagurating the seminar the sub collector said that “at the time when global warming is an important issue in the world organising such types of seminar really appreciable. It will help to preserve the valuable forest and environment to get relief from global warming issue.

Dr. Banabihari Mishra, expert member district level environment impact appraisal committee narrated detail about the causes and remedies of global warming issue that grip whole world now days. He also appeal the youths to come forward to fight back the situation with adopting small small practices in their house and society and to aware the remedies among others in their house and society.

Er Ripu Kumar Sahu, environment engineer,State Polution control board ,Keonjhar narrated all about the causes of environment degradation and its remedies, He also narrated the different government policies and laws implemented to protect the environment.

Giving opening remarks on the the second day Mr. Nrusingha charan Swain,Project Director,DRDA,that we need to effectively manage our natural resources in a sustainable maner ,other wise it will be create disastrous situation in future even if it will be difficult to take breath. Mr. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty Secretary chaired the session. Rajeev Nirmal, program officer of Viswa Yubak Kendra gave introductory remarks. Amongst others Prof Balaram panigrahi, HOD,Soil and conservation engineering department,OUAT, Dr Umashankar Nayak, senior scientist, Regional research training and transfer system,bhadrak, Dr sanjaya kumar mohanty, senior scientist, KVK,Balasore, DR Gayadhara Shial, forestry expert, KVK, Social activists, Academicians, CSO functionaries , Representatives of NSS of different colleges and ECO SAVERS youth network spoke on the occasion. Jyotirmayee Mohapatra, Program Manager, PECUC gave vote of thanks in the meeting.

A three day long convention to end violence against children organised by Odisha Alliance for child rights and National Action and coordination group in association with the Odisha State Commission for Protection of child rights

Bhubaneswar: The three day long convention on Ending Violence against children at Bhubaneswar organised by Odisha
Alliance for Child Rights and National Action and Coordination Group to end violence against children in partnership with
Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights , came to an end with children and adults sharing their
observations , hopes , aspiration and concerns before a larger media .
Over the last three days children and adults had worked closely on issues that affect children the most like , child protection ,
child marriage , Child trafficking , child labour , migration, children children safety in educational institution .They also
discussed on the safety and security of children in disaster situation .
Children by their natural physiological and social position are high on the vulnerability factor.Even during regular times their
dependency on others and the instinct to be influenced by others heightens this vulnerability , children observed in their
consultation . This confirms the fact that the vulnerability of children is much higher in a disaster situation, be it natural or
man made .
While discussing on the issue of child marriage in the state which was affecting lives of children at large , it was learned that
the matter of child marriage in Odisha was least discussed .Many communities practice child marriage soon after the girl
child attains puberty .Further it has been a higher concern in district with high women illiteracy .
As a result of consultation both adults and children came up with their well documented recommendations which were
shared before the invited guests . Children , in their recommendations had pointed out the challenges of reaching of the
benefits of government schemes to the grassroots in addition to the lack of accessibility to children even when they reach
the point of implementation .They had observed that there was a need by the system to see that the provisions were
reaching the children . Promotion of 1098 , the phone number of ChildLine be made more extensive by creating awareness
on the service at the anganwadi & school level , they felt . While child labours were rescued from different places , the
system had no adequate space & provision to rehabilitate them properly .This was the reason why children return to become
child labour .They suggested for opening centres for rehabilitation at district level with support to be there with the children till
they were in the development process without compromising their childhood opportunities .Children came up with
suggestion that there was a need of opening of child protection committee at the village level with children being must
members in them .
Efforts of children and adults working together in realising a greater reality was appreciated by all including the guests on the
dais .Addressing the valedictory session Sj. Subash Singh ,Chairman, Building and Construction workers welfare board
emphasised on the spending of MP ,MLA Lad fund for building school infrastructure.
The valedictory function was presided by Ranjan Mumar Mohanty ,Chairman,Odisha Alliance for child Rights and addressed
by Dr. Chiranjeev Kakoty,Cairmaan,NACG-EVAC, Sj.Prasanth Reddy,IAS,Director,Social welfare,Women and children
Development Department,Mr.Chudamani Seth,IAS,Director, Elementary Education. Usharani Behera moved vote of thanks.

The 12th State Level Convention of Odisha Election held on 4th September 2016 at IDCOL House Auditorium, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with National Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms. This year’s Focal Theme for discussion was “Transparency in Finances of Political Parties & panchayat election 2017 issues & concerns”. In the inaugural session, Sj. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Coordinator, Odisha Election Watch, welcomed the guests and said that Odisha Electon Watch has evolved as a strong network that aims at further promoting free and fair election. Sj. Ananta Charan Nayak, IAS, Addl. CEO-cum-Addl. Secretary, Home (elections) dept. highlighted on the active participation of all stakeholders to ensure free and fair election. Sj. Rabindra Nath Sahu, OAS, Secretary State Election Commission said that voters must exercise their right to vote and participate in the democratic process. Prof. Trilochan Sastry,Founder Trustee of Association of Democratic reforms says “He who plays the piper decides the tune. If the donors to parties are unknown, details of those controlling the functioning of such parties is also unknown, which is very worrying. If the parties claim to be doing public service by contesting elections, it is very worrying that 80% of their funds is unknown. It is not a very healthy state of affair when the parties’ finances are not in public domain.” Sj. Sahadev Sahoo, IAS (Retd), Ex-Chief Secretary and core team member (OEW) emphasized on more turn over in ethical voting and increased youth participation in the voting process that can bring about a great difference. Sj. Khyamakar Swain gave the vote of thanks in the inaugural session.

In the first technical session, Transparency in finances of political parties was chaired by Sj. Dillip Bisoi, Senior Journalist. In the panel, Prof. Surya Narayan Mishra, core team member (OEW) gave emphasis on youth participation to ensure transparent governance and reduce the number of political parties. Sj. Soumya Ranjan Patnaik, Ex-MP, Editor-Sambad, and President, Aama Odisha, said that mass psychology has to be changed and election campaign days have to be reduced. Sj. Panchanan Kanungo, Former Finance Minister said that panchayat election should be free from involvement of any political parties and elections should be purely state-funded to check corruption. Sj. Sameer Mohanty, Vice-President, BJP, said that political parties should have inner party democracy. Capt. Dibya Shankar Mishra, MLA and Spokesperson, BJD highlighted on the importance of information dissemination at grass root level and the youths should take the forefront in the political process. Prof. Kailash Chandra Acharya, Chief Spokesperson, INC. Odisha said that all the elections should be held in the same period to dual expenditure. Sj. Santosh Das, State Secretariat Member, CPI (M) said that all political parties should be transparent in terms of public fund utilization and declare the same in the public domain. Sj. Baishnav Charan Parida, Ex-MP, BJD, said that political parties are accountable to public, hence, they must adopt to the ethical election process. Sj. Souribandu Kar, State Secretariat member, CPI said that state funding is highly necessary to check corruption. In addition, he highlighted the importance of auditing these election funds for further transparency.

In the second panel, themed Panchayat elections and role of civil society organizations, under the chairmanship of Sj. Baikuntha Panigrahi, Ex-DDG, Doordarshan, Mrs. Chandana Das, Head-CWS, Sj. Sudarshan Das, Agami Odisha, Sj. Biswajit Padhi, Srusti-Nuapada gave valuable suggestions to take the campaign ahead. The afternoon session was themed on Free and fair Panchayat elections 2017-Issues and concerns, held under the chairmanship of Sj. Hrudaya Ballav Das, Former Judge. Sj. Sanjeev Hota, IAS (Retd), Former State election commissioner, Odisha, said that people have interest in Panchayat election, because they have easy access to the elected members. He also said that emphasis should be led on awareness of voters as well as political parties on the election process and procedures. Among others, Sj. Ganeswar Behera, Former minister, INC-Odisha, Sj. Sashi Bhusan Behera, MLA, Spokesperson, BJD, Sj. Sajjan Sharma, Chief spokesperson, BJP, Sj. Tejaswar Parida, BJD, Mrs. Tapasi Praharaj, State Committee member, CPI (M), Sj. Ramakrushna Panda, State Committee member, CPI all emphasized free and fair elections in the panchayats can only be possible with voters awareness and participation in huge numbers.

Conservation & management of Water Resource is essential – Opinion by different Eminent Personalities in the state level workshop of Eco-savers Youth Network and PECUC

Bhubaneswar – 30th July 2016: Water conservation is essential for our future generation, Sj Pradeep Jena, IAS, Principal Secretary of Water Resource Department, Govt of Odisha told in the today’s state level workshop.

A statelevel workshop on “Water Resource Management- save water & save live” is organized by People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) with the support of Adoptions Centrum in collaboration with ECOSAVERS Youth Network at Redcross Bhawan, Bhubaneswar. Sj Pradeep Jena, Senior administrator & Chief Guest advised the youths for proper use and management water which can help conservation of water. Odisha have 11% of water out of total water in India. But it is unfortunate that the people of Odisha still suffer water deficiency. Efforts must be from both Government and private level for prioritizing water conservation.

Sj Dillip Kumar Routray, Joint secretary, Govt of Odisha told that mass awareness is required for water conservation and proper utilization. Youths must act as change maker for a green and healthy world. Adoptions Centrum Country Director Mrs. Rubi Rout told that we are misusing the water used in our home. In this regard, it is essential to reuse the waste water. Among others, participating in the discussion, Dr Rajendra Prasad Mishra, Expert and Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, PECUC told that efforts and steps must be taken from every level to stop misuse of water and conserve water to ensure a safe and healthy life. Mrs. Anuradha Mohanty, Executive Director of PECUC coordinated the workshop. Among others, Mr. Jyoti Shankar Mohanty and Ms. Jyoti Mohapatra of PECUC managed the programme. 75 youth representatives from ECOSAVERS Youth Network members from different districts of State participated in the workshop.

Labour Minister calls for Child Labour free Bhubaneswar City “Together we all should work and join hand to end child labour in Bhubaneswar city”, was the message given by Sj. Prafulla Kumar Mallick, Minister Labour and ESI, Steel and Mines, Odisha. While inaugurating a signature campaign through a pledging banner on the occasion of World Day against Child Labour today, Mr. Mallick gave this message to the public by writing this message. The program was organized by People’s Cultural Centre (PECUC) in cooperation with Odisha Alliance for Child Rights, Rotary Club of Heritage Bhubaneswar, and National Action on Coordination group to end violence against children. Amongst others, Bhubaneswar Mayor Sj. Ananta Narayan Jena, Sj. Priyadarshi Mishra, MLA, Ms. Rajalaxmi Das, Ms. Sandhyabati Pradhan, Members, Odisha State Commission for Child Rights, Snehanjali Mohanty, Member, Odisha state commission for women, Olympiad Anuradha Biswal, Rtn Debabrata Panigrahi, many other celebrities joined the program. In pledge banner in which it was mentioned that “I do hereby pledge that I shall not employ any child in my home, office, establishment and worksite. I shall make all efforts to eliminate child labour,” signed by hundreds of people from different works of lives. On this occasion, Mr. Priyadarshi Mishra flagged off the “Walk for Children”, a mini walkathon. This walkathon was participated by a large number of youths. Hundreds of children participated in a special event titled as “Children Together against Child Labour” in which the children showed “red card” to child labour. Colourful cultural programs performed by children to create awareness against employment of children. “This year world day against child labour focuses on eliminating child labour in supply chains and it requires the commitment of governments, workers and employer’s organizations and enterprises themselves”, told by Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, Secretary, PECUC and Chairman, Odisha Alliance for Child Rights. “The world day is an opportunity to shine a light on what can be done to keep child labour out of supply chains”, he added.

PECUC at Rahagiri-Red card by child labour-Dance Workshop for children-Theme of the programme was care for change. Many children showed their inner talents at "children corners-show your talent". Children were fully mesmerised into the paintings, games and other activities organised by PECUC & Rotary Club of Heritage Bhubaneswar

World Day against Child labour observed- Quality Education and Awareness can bring change Date. 12th June, 2015, Bhubaneswar A large number of children still are engaged in labour. Children are not meant to be labourers. This takes away their childhood. Every child must be stopped from stepping in to any form of labour – this is hazardous for any child, anywhere. It is every child’s right not to be a labourer. “We often come across child labour incidents in television and news papers which are only tip of the iceberg many more remains unreported. The number of child labour in the state is much higher than the statistical data we have. Complete elimination of child labour is only possible by understanding the situation of a child in which a she/he pushed to became a child labour and addressing the issue through appropriate means” opined by Sri Arun Kumar Sahoo, Minister, Panchayatiraj & Law, Government of Odisha. On the eve of World Day against child Labour People’s Cultural centre (PECUC),a leading civil society organisation, National Centre for Child Rights (NCCR) organised a Public Discourse on “Elimination of Child Labour Through Quality Education-Reality, Challenges & Prospects” at Jayadev Bhawan, Bhubaneswar in cooperation with TdH(G) and AEI. Education can be prerequisite for eliminating child labour opined by Sj. Ranjan Kumar Mohanty, secretary, PECUC and Chairman, NCCR while sharing the purpose and introductory note. He also focused although the number of child labour is reducing but in a slow pace. The reduction rate is 2.2% per year only. Sj. Mahendra Kumar Mallick, State Project Director, OPEPA briefed the audience about various government interventions to reduce child labour and to increase attendance. Mrs. Rajalaxmi Das, Member, OSCPCR said OSCPCR has important role in rescuing and rehabilitating child labours in the state and also monitoring schools for 100% enrolment upto age of 14. Mr. P.K Mohapatra, Assistant labour Commissioner focused on convergence among different stakeholders highly required to end child labour.Eminent Trade Unionist Mr. Souribandhu Kar, said there is a need of legislation to complete ban on child labour along with budget allocation. He also focused for appointment of trained and equally remunerated teachers to ensure quality education. Dr. Debiprasanna Pattnaik gave importance on mother tongue education from childhood to ensure quality learning of a child. Prof. Adaramani, Boral, Chairperson, PECUC said each and every citizen need to be responsible enough for elimination of child labour from our society. The technical session chaired by Prof. Prabir Pattnaik on a note the child labour situation can be changed if parents and duty bearers act sensitively. In this session experiences on eliminating child labour and quality education shared by Mrs. Anuradha Mohanty, PECUC; Sj. P.K Mohapatra, ALC; Mr. Sribachha Patel, OPEPA, Usharani Behera, BGVS, Pratap Chandra Swain, HM & Bijay Kumar Pradhan SMC Memnber, Bangdagaon primary school. Amongst other panellist Dr. Bijay Ku. Bohidar; Prof. Shribatsa L. Jena, former Director, SCERT; Dr. Bikash Das, Advocate spoke on the issues promoting social protection measures to encourage school attendance; fostering safe and quality learning environment - challenges and prospects and ensuring coherence and enforcement of laws on child labour and school attendance. More than three hundred participants from NSS Volunteers & Programme Officers from Utkal University and +2 council , PRI Members, Educationists, civil society group members, teachers, academics, trade unionist, media etc participated in the programme. Ms. Jyoti Mohapatra, Sunanda Biswal from PECUC extended vote of thanks. Mr. Jyoti Mohanty , G.Singh, Anisha Mitra, Jayashree Moharana from PECUC supported in organising the programme